Holiday Gifts for Pets

With the holidays just weeks away, don’t forget to add your pets to your shopping list!

Pet owners care about their pets. In the US, this year alone, it’s estimated that pet owners will spend over 72 billion dollars on their pets! But buying a gift or two doesn’t need to break your bank – with a little thought you can come up with the kinds of gifts that meet your pet’s daily needs, are fun for everyone, and are easy on the pocketbook. Here’s a few ideas!

Puzzle food dish. If your pet eats from a standard stainless steel or plastic food bowl, consider a maze or puzzle feeder as a gift. Make mealtimes game time! Maze or puzzle feeders mentally challenge your pet (reducing boredom), encourage your pet to eat slowly, help with weight control, and even help with separation anxiety.

Interactive treat dispenser. Treat dispensers have the same benefits as puzzle feeders – your pet has to work to get the treat! With many dispensers, the level of challenge to access the treats can be adjusted. Treat dispensers are especially useful with high energy dogs.

Toys. Classic squeaky or crinkly toys are very attractive to most dogs. If your dog likes to play fetch, consider a new frisbee or ball. Most cats like toys that squeak, jingle, or rattle. A simple catnip toy may provide hours of irresistible fun! A variety of inexpensive, yet durable stuffed toys are available – even at the grocery store – if you need a last-minute gift for your dog or cat!

Toothbrush and toothpaste. Doesn’t everyone deserve a toothbrush in their stocking?! To help keep on top of brushing your pet’s teeth, why not purchase a new toothbrush and some tasty toothpaste? Your pet may not exactly say thank you, but dental care is such an important part of daily pet care.

Harness or collar. Harnesses and collars don’t last forever! Maybe it’s time for a new one, or even a personalized collar for your furry friend.

Don’t have a dog or cat? There are lots of great gift ideas for the pocket pets, birds, and reptiles in our families too.

Hamster or gerbil shelter. Hamsters and gerbils often chew on whatever they can – including their shelter – so check to see if your hamster is in need of a new one. Try to avoid plastic houses (and toys), as they get destroyed very quickly, and if plastic is swallowed, it can lead to serious health problems. Natural wood houses are the best.

Bird toys. Toys provide birds with mental stimulation and alleviate boredom. Be sure to only select toys that are specifically manufactured for birds and check that the materials are non-toxic. It is important to note that some kinds of wood are not safe for birds. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian.

Reptile shelters or basking objects. A new enrichment item for your lizard or snake is a great gift idea. Objects with rough textures are ideal for snakes because they help the snake shed. A new shelter is a great idea if your reptile has outgrown the one it has.

Maybe your pet has everything he or she needs! Consider making a donation to a pet charity or your local humane society or donate some time to a shelter!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

LifeLearn News

Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.